EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION WHEN YOU NEED IT MOST
Unexpected situations happen. Having options is crucial. You can now get low-cost emergency contraception (EC) in a vending machine near you.
Q & A
WHAT IS EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION (EC)?
Emergency contraception (EC), also called morning-after pills, is a form of birth control used to stop a pregnancy before it starts by temporarily stopping an ovary from releasing an egg. No egg, no fertilization, no pregnancy.
EC can be purchased for $8 in a vending machine near you or over the counter without a prescription at most drugstores and pharmacies. Talk to your health care provider to learn more about which birth control method is best for you.
WHEN DO YOU USE EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION (EC)?
This one–use pill can be taken orally within five days (120 hours) after having unprotected sex, or birth control failure. The sooner you take it, the better it works.
HOW EFFECTIVE IS EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION (EC)?
EC is up to 89% effective if used as directed and works best within three days (the sooner you take them, the better they work). Plan B, a brand of EC, is less effective if you take it more than 72 hours (about 3 days) after unprotected sex or weigh 155 pounds or more. However, Plan B can still reduce the likelihood of pregnancy in both cases.
HOW MUCH DOES EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION (EC) COST?
This one-use pill can be purchased for $8 in a vending machine near you. Find available locations in the map above.
WHO CAN PURCHASE EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION (EC)?
Any person, regardless of gender or age, can purchase EC. No prescription or ID is required, and there is no age restriction for purchase.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION (EC) AND ABORTION MEDICATION?
Emergency contraception, a form of birth control, prevents a pregnancy before it starts by delaying and preventing ovulation. It is not an abortion pill and will not be effective if a person is already pregnant. Plan B will not harm an existing pregnancy.
DOES EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION (EC) EXPIRE?
EC typically has a shelf life of around four years when stored as directed. Always check the expiration date on the outside of the box prior to taking any medication.
IS EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION (EC) SAFE? WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS?
Yes, EC is extremely safe. EC pills are safer than many other non-prescription drugs, such as Tylenol®. Side effects (such as nausea, headache and changes to your next period) are generally mild and go away on their own. Many people don’t experience any side effects at all. EC won’t harm or end a pregnancy if someone takes it when they are already pregnant. Taking EC – even multiple times within the same month or year – does not affect future fertility.
DOES A PERSON’S WEIGHT IMPACT THE EFFECTIVENESS OF EC?
EC is up to 89% effective if used as directed and works best within three days (the sooner you take them, the better they work). Plan B, a brand of EC, is less effective if you take it more than 72 hours (about 3 days) after unprotected sex or weigh 165 pounds or more. However, no one should be discouraged from taking it, regardless of weight.
HOW OFTEN CAN I TAKE EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION (EC)?
Taking emergency contraception multiple times doesn’t change its effectiveness, and won’t cause any long-term side effects. But it’s not a good idea to use EC as your regular, go-to method of birth control. Find the right birth control method for you at GetAccessGranted.com/Birth-Control.
WHAT WILL SHOW UP ON A BANK STATEMENT WHEN I PURCHASE FROM THE VENDING MACHINE?
There will be no indication on the bank statement that you’ve purchased emergency contraception. Bank statements will show a purchase from “Sensible Snacks” or “Nayax Vending 52,” depending on where you make your purchase.
WHAT IF I ENCOUNTER AN ISSUE WITH THE VENDING MACHINE?
We are dedicated to providing you with essential sexual health resources when you need them the most. We understand that encountering an issue with our vending machine, especially when purchasing emergency contraception or pregnancy tests, can be particularly stressful and time sensitive. To help us resolve the problem as quickly and efficiently as possible, please fill out the form (you can submit anonymously) at GetAccessGranted.com/Need-Help.
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Emergency Contraception
How it Works
- Emergency contraception can stop a pregnancy before it starts by temporarily stopping an ovary from releasing an egg
- Oral pill taken within 120 hours (5 days) after having unprotected sex
Types
- Ella, is a pill with ulipristal acetate, that you need a prescription from a health care provider
- Other pills (Plan B One Step, Take Action, My Way, AfterPill) contain levonorgestrel and can be purchased over the counter without a prescription at most drugstores and pharmacies
Possible Side Effects
- Cramping
- Upset stomach
- Vomiting
Pros
- Safe way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex
- Can be taken up to 5 days after unprotected sex
Cons
- Over the counter morning-after pills work best within 3 days (the sooner you take them, the better they work)
- The most effective methods, like ella, can be more difficult to get as you need to order online or have a prescription
- Plan B is less effective if you take it more than 72 hours after sex or weigh 155 pounds or more
Did You Know
- You can get $8 emergency contraception at one of our sexual health vending machines? Learn more here.
Source: Contraceptive Technology, 20th edition
Access Granted is an initiative of
Women’s Fund of Omaha